Various Artists - Paul OST

Listening to a film's soundtrack without actually having seen the film is often an unusual thing. Whereas it can be easier to place said songs within a context when both are viewed together, it's also refreshing to enjoy the music without having the image to boot. With Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's new film

, out this week, it's easy to see why some songs have been selected; others may need the film's support to justify their place.

Sensibly roping in David Arnold to contribute over half the tracks with a series of sci-fi infused themes, Pegg and Frost combine newish material (B-52s) with some classic standards from the likes of Marvin Gaye, ELO and Bill Withers.

While The Only Ones' 'Another Girl, Another Planet's inclusion seems obvious with its rocky guitar and pace, Todd Rundgren's 'Hello It's Me' seems a little off-kilter here. Add in King Harvest's 'Dancing in the Moonlight' and you've got a mixed bag.

Thank goodness then that much like any good sci-fi film, we have to go back in time for the really good stuff. Bill Wither's 'Just the Two of Us'[ will be familiar to anyone who's seen the trailer while Marvin Gaye's 'Got to Give It Up' adds some welcome gravitas. Max Romeo's 'I Chase the Devil' and Bill Lee Riley's rock 'n' roll effort 'Flyin' Saucers' certainly seem at home too.

Fusing this material with Arnold's orchestral stirrings actually works quite well. Pick of the bunch, we see 'Road Trip No 1' bouncing along nicely while 'Window Shopping' and '1st Contac't use soft strings to melodic effect. However it's final track 'Goodbye (It's a Little Awkward)' which really impresses; sweeping along with a sly nod to Speilberg's ET riff - that certainly bodes well for the film's hopefully equally playful nods.

A soundtrack of two halves perhaps, but one that should suit the music lover/sci-fi geek within.